Ever wondered what ancient texts and rare manuscripts fear most? It’s not fire, water, or time itself—it’s insects. But for over two centuries, one library in Portugal has found a rather unique solution: bats. The Joanina Library at the University of Coimbra has had small colonies of bats patrolling its shelves since the late 18th century, protecting the books from pests. These furry, nocturnal creatures are the unsung heroes keeping the library’s treasures safe. And believe it or not, they’ve become just as important to the library as the 60,000 rare books they guard.
Building the Joanina Library
The Joanina Library, named after King João V, was built nearly 300 years ago. When it was constructed, its thick six-foot stone walls were designed to protect the precious volumes from the harsh elements of the outside world. But little did the architects know, the real protectors would soon arrive in the form of small flying mammals. While the walls did their job, it was the bats that swooped in to handle the pest problem, creating a natural barrier against insects that threaten the delicate pages.
Bats on Pest Patrol
By nightfall, when the library closes its doors, the bats come alive. In the quiet darkness of the stacks, they swoop silently through the air, hunting for pests that could gnaw away at the ancient texts. Flies, gnats, and other insects don’t stand a chance against these agile creatures. Once they’ve had their fill, the bats head out through gaps in the windows to search for water. It’s a nightly routine that’s been going on for centuries.
Bats and Librarians
These bats aren’t new tenants; they’ve been part of the library’s ecosystem since at least the late 18th century. Library records from that time show that special leather sheets were purchased from Russia to protect the library’s desks from bat droppings. Yes, the bats come with a messy downside, but that hasn’t stopped the library from cherishing them. Every morning, employees clean up the droppings, just as they have done for hundreds of years.
Russian Leather and 18th-Century Tables
To this day, the tables in the library are protected with fabric made from animal skin, imported from Russia. These protective sheets are still necessary because, despite the efforts of the cleaning staff, the bats do leave behind their droppings. Every day, the library staff gets to work cleaning up after them, ensuring the library stays in pristine condition. It’s a strange but effective partnership between bats and humans that has stood the test of time, a fascinating glimpse into how libraries have evolved to protect their collections.
Meet the Protectors: Two Types of Bats
Two distinct types of bats have made the Joanina Library their home: European free-tailed bats and soprano pipistrelles. These bats aren’t just any old bats—they are experts in pest control. Their small size allows them to maneuver easily around the library’s shelves, and their nocturnal hunting habits ensure that the books stay safe from hungry insects. For the library staff, these bats are their colleagues in the mission to protect some of the world’s rarest books.
A Bat-Friendly Renovation: Keeping the Gaps
In 2015, the library underwent a renovation, which included replacing its massive wooden doors. However, the library’s commitment to its bat population didn’t waver. The carpenters left the original gaps in the doors to ensure the bats could still enter and exit as they pleased. After all, the bats have been working at the library longer than any staff member, and it seemed only fair to keep their “access points” intact. It’s a testament to the respect and admiration the library has for its flying residents.
Were the Bats Invited?
One of the big questions surrounding the Joanina Library’s bat population is whether the bats were brought in deliberately or if they just moved in on their own. Some believe that the bats were introduced intentionally to keep insects at bay, while others think they simply found their way into the library and decided to stay. Whatever the case, one thing is clear—the bats have made themselves right at home and are now an essential part of the library’s unique charm.
A Perfect Balance Between Nature and Knowledge
In a world where libraries use high-tech systems to preserve rare books, the Joanina Library’s solution seems almost quaint. Yet, it works. The bats do their job, and the library keeps running like it has for hundreds of years. It’s a remarkable example of how nature and human ingenuity can coexist. So, the next time you think about ancient books, remember: sometimes the best guardians are the ones you least expect—like the bats that have been keeping watch over the texts of Portugal’s Joanina Library for centuries.
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